Unlike Most, I’m Here Not to Share My Good Deeds, But to Offer Something Different

Hello everyone! I am James, based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Are you fascinated by the idea of making the world a better place but confused about where to start? No worries, you’ve come to the right post. In this post, I am going to walk you through multiple practical ways to make a positive impact and how to leave your footprint in helping humanity move forward.

If I were to say that the world is in distress and needs your assistance, would you agree? The widening divide between the wealthy and the poor, the climate crisis, and ongoing global conflicts are just a few examples of a world in need of support.

While this list could continue indefinitely, I want to focus on the positive aspects today. Specifically, how can you contribute to making the world a better place? What actions can you take as an individual? Although your efforts may sometimes seem small in the grand scheme of things, you still possess the ability to create positive change.

Are you passionate about improving the world but unsure where to begin? Don't worry! In this article, I will guide you through several ways to make a difference. Interestingly, many of these actions have been shown to enhance your own happiness and make life more fulfilling.

So, let’s dive in!

Can you help make the world a better place?

We all aspire to improve the world, not just for ourselves but also for future generations. However, believing that we can solve all of the world’s issues may be overly optimistic.

I’m often reminded of a meme featuring someone proudly banning plastic straws, only to have another person counter that sentiment with an image of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Such comparisons lead to the question: “Do my actions really have any significant impact?”

I recently read Barack Obama’s A Promised Land, and one passage particularly resonated with me:
“… On every issue, it seemed, we kept bumping up against somebody – a politician, a bureaucrat, some distant CEO – who had the power to make things better but didn’t.”
A Promised Land – Barack Obama

He wrote this to illustrate his reasons for entering politics. While I don’t want to turn this post into a political discussion, I genuinely admire Barack Obama for his belief in the possibility of change.

Yet, not everyone possesses the skills needed to enter politics or become a CEO of a large corporation. The question remains: can we still contribute to making the world a better place?

Inspiration is Your Key to Making the World a Better Place

While you may not have the ability to single-handedly eliminate racism, address income inequality, or clean up the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, you do possess the power to inspire others. This ability to inspire is crucial for creating a better world.

A fun example comes to mind: at the beginning of 2019, my girlfriend decided to become a vegetarian. I was initially hesitant, worried it would disrupt my own eating habits. However, I soon observed how effortless it was for her to avoid meat. In fact, I found it too cumbersome to prepare two different meals each night, so I decided to join her in her vegetarian journey. A year later, I officially became a vegetarian!

A few months later, my girlfriend opted for a 100% plant-based diet. At first, I thought, “There’s no way I’m doing that; it seems too difficult.”

Long story short, she ultimately inspired me to embrace veganism as well. Now, we both strive to live a life free of animal products, and we’re happier for it. Moreover, we’ve inspired some friends and family to reduce their consumption of animal products too. This illustrates how the power of inspiration can contribute to making the world a better place.

You have the ability to do good on a small scale. Your actions can motivate others, who will then share those actions with their friends and family. This ripple effect can grow and eventually create a significant impact on the world, whether you realize it or not.

Being Good Leads to Happiness

I want to highlight a wonderful synergy here: many of the actions I’ve discussed in this article also benefit your mental health.

So, even though picking up trash may seem like a drag, it can positively affect your own well-being! Research consistently shows that being a good person often leads to greater happiness and health, even if performing good deeds doesn't always feel enjoyable.

I’m not just saying this! I’ve referenced numerous studies that demonstrate how being kind correlates with being happy.

This means that improving the world doesn’t have to feel like a burden. We can all reap the rewards of these actions.

Multiple Ways to Make the World a Better Place

Here are several ways you can contribute to making the world a better place, ranging from small actions to larger initiatives. What they all share is the potential to inspire others to take similar steps. No matter how you choose to help improve the world, your actions can motivate those around you.

And that’s how you can make a difference.

1. Stand Up for Equality

Many of the world’s conflicts stem from inequality. When any group of people is treated unjustly, conflict is likely to arise, leading to a negative impact on the world.

This includes issues such as:

• Deep-rooted racism
• Mistreatment of individuals who don’t adhere to specific religious beliefs
• The ongoing gender pay gap
• Hate speech
• Corruption
• And many others…

You have the power to speak out against these injustices.

Even if you’re not personally affected by these inequalities, you can still make a positive impact by voicing your opinions and taking a stand.

So, the next time a colleague makes a sexist joke or you witness someone being mistreated due to their sexuality, remember that you have the ability to express your disapproval.

2. Stop Consuming Animal Products

I recently shared a newsletter discussing my views on sustainability, which included some difficult truths about why I now strongly advocate for a 100% plant-based lifestyle. As a result, many subscribers reacted negatively, with some saying, “I’m done with this!” and unsubscribing. In fact, it was the newsletter with the highest number of unsubscribes and spam complaints I’ve ever sent.

This experience highlighted that many people are uncomfortable confronting the urgent need to reduce our consumption of animal products.

If you want to make the world a better place, adopting sustainable practices is a worthwhile approach. You don’t have to dive in all at once; progress can be made through small steps. While it may involve some sacrifices, the benefits—such as improved mental well-being and the preservation of natural resources—make it worth the effort.

3. Be Happier

I started Tracking Happiness (this website) a long time ago as a small, one-person blog focused entirely on happiness. Its core message is that the most important thing in life is your happiness. Nothing else—wealth, success, love, adventure, fitness, fame—matters as much as being happy. Happiness is linked to various positive outcomes, from increased confidence to enhanced creativity.

There’s substantial evidence that greater happiness in the world leads to fewer conflicts. Additionally, being happy in your endeavors makes you more effective in what you do.

The key point is that the world is not only better with you in it; it would be even better if you were as happy as possible. We all deserve happiness, and by prioritizing your own well-being, you’re indirectly contributing to a better world.

4. Spread Happiness to Others

Understanding that a happy world is a better world highlights the importance of spreading happiness to those around us.

Research shows that laughter is contagious, and simply smiling can enhance your mood. Our natural tendency to mimic the expressions and body language of others can significantly influence our feelings.

Moreover, spreading happiness not only improves the world but also boosts our own happiness. By uplifting others, we elevate our own joy in the process.

How Can You Practice This?

• Smile at a stranger.
• Share laughter when you’re with others (in a natural way, of course!). Laughter is one of the best remedies for sadness.
• Perform a random act of kindness for someone.
• Give a compliment to someone and observe how it enhances their happiness.
• And more!

5. Allow Yourself to Be Vulnerable

Vulnerability is often misconceived as weakness, particularly among men, many of whom may not even realize it (myself included).

For instance, I struggle to express my emotions, especially around people I don’t know well. If a colleague is having a rough day, I’m likely the last person to offer comfort.

It’s not that I lack compassion; I grew up believing that needing support signifies weakness, as if asking for help is somehow wrong. This mindset has hindered my ability to show appreciation, love, and kindness, even though I genuinely want to. I’m working to overcome this belief, but it’s been a challenging journey.

I believe the world would benefit greatly if more people allowed themselves to be vulnerable. Here’s a fantastic article by Maili that offers practical ways to demonstrate compassion.

6. Be a Volunteer

Many people view volunteering as a commendable and noble activity, yet numerous individuals hesitate to actually get involved. With our busy lives, it can be hard to justify spending time and energy on something that isn’t financially rewarding.

However, volunteering is an excellent way to contribute to making the world a better place. Most volunteers dedicate their time to helping those in greatest need, thereby indirectly addressing inequality (which we discussed earlier).

It’s also noteworthy that volunteering has been shown to enhance your own happiness.

A 2007 study revealed that individuals who volunteer regularly report better physical and mental health compared to those who do not. Interestingly, the study found that those who are less socially integrated gain the most benefits, suggesting that volunteering can empower socially excluded groups.

The administrator of this platform, Aklilu, shared his personal experiences with volunteering:

“I experienced many moments of despair in my life, times when it felt like an unseen cloud was constantly raining on my efforts. Eventually, I began volunteering with youths in educational programs at schools, colleges, and universities, believing I could help them learn and grow. In reality, they brought me immense joy.

He continues: The more I contributed to those around me, the more fulfilled I became. This shift in focus towards others' happiness alleviated my stress. It also allowed me to forge new relationships while deepening existing ones. The more I offered to others without exhausting myself, the more content I felt within.”

7. Pick Up Trash

Picking up trash is one of the most effective ways to improve the world from an environmental perspective.

There’s nothing stopping you from grabbing an empty trash bag right now and going out to collect litter. Depending on your location, a 30-minute walk could yield one or two bags full of trash.

While this may seem trivial, the inspirational impact should not be underestimated. When I’ve gone out to pick up trash, I’ve had several people stop to chat and express admiration for my efforts. This often encourages them to reconsider littering in the future.

There’s a growing movement of individuals who dedicate their free time to picking up trash, including a subreddit with over 100,000 members sharing their experiences. This trend highlights that picking up trash is one of the simplest and most actionable ways to contribute positively to the environment.

8. Don’t Judge Others Too Soon

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to judge others without understanding their circumstances?

I’m guilty of this myself. Recently, I saw an overweight man riding a bicycle in an ill-fitting shirt and sagging pants, which exposed his backside. I made a joking remark to my girlfriend, suggesting he was heading to a fast-food restaurant.

My girlfriend, with her better moral compass, reminded me that I had no idea what challenges he might be facing. She was absolutely right. It’s all too easy to judge others based on appearances, and such negative thoughts can become ingrained, especially when no one challenges them.

I’m grateful my girlfriend pointed out my judgmental attitude. Perhaps I should have asked her to write this article instead!

I recently came across an image on Twitter that perfectly illustrates this point:

The takeaway is that while it’s tempting to highlight others' flaws to feel better about ourselves, this behavior doesn’t contribute to a better world. Instead, we should focus on recognizing and celebrating people's strengths. Being judgmental won’t help improve our society.

9. Try to Think Positive and Spread Your Happiness

This point builds on the previous one. Instead of constantly being judgmental, why not channel that energy into cultivating a more positive mindset?

There is substantial evidence that positivity enhances the world around us. For example, a study from the Medical University of Rochester reviewed over 80 studies and found that optimism significantly affects physical health. The research looked at various aspects, including longevity, disease survival, heart health, immunity, cancer outcomes, pregnancy results, pain tolerance, and more. Those with a more optimistic outlook tended to fare better than their pessimistic counterparts.

Can Optimism Make a Difference in Your Life?

While this illustrates the personal benefits of positivity, science also shows that positive behavior can uplift those around you. Research indicates that your happiness can spread to your friends, creating a ripple effect that extends further.

As we’ve discussed, a happy world is a better place to live. By thinking positively and sharing your happiness, you contribute to making the world a better place!

10. Help Someone Out for Free

Unlike the previous tip, this one offers clear, actionable steps.

By helping someone for free, you not only spread positivity but also bridge the gap between those in need and those who are better off.

Here are some ways to implement this idea:

• Assist a colleague with their project.
• Shop for groceries for an elderly person.
• Donate food to a food bank.
• Support a good cause at a rally.
• Look for opportunities to give compliments.
• Offer someone a ride.
• Be a listening ear for a friend or colleague.
• Donate items to a thrift shop.
• And many more…

This concept applies broadly. Even if your help isn’t requested and you won’t gain anything from it, you’ll be making a positive impact. This is especially true when you offer your assistance to those who need it most, such as marginalized groups.

11. Donate to Good Causes

The final tip on this list is straightforward and actionable. Donating money to a good cause is one of the easiest ways to contribute to a better world.

If you're reading this from a Western country, you're likely in a more fortunate position than over 50% of the global population. As mentioned earlier, many people around the world face significant challenges.

Whether you want to support environmental initiatives, animal welfare, refugee assistance, or combat hunger in Africa, know that your contributions can make a difference.

Even if you don’t see direct benefits from your donations, you’ll likely feel happier as a result.

One well-known study involved around 500 participants playing a word-puzzle game over 10 rounds, where they could earn 5 cents per round. They had the choice to keep their winnings or donate them. Afterward, they reported their happiness levels. The results showed that those who donated felt happier than those who kept their earnings.

Another interesting series of studies by Michael Norton and Elizabeth Dunn yielded similar findings. In one study involving over 600 participants, researchers assessed their income, spending habits, and happiness. It was found that those who spent more on others reported higher levels of happiness compared to those who spent on themselves. The amount of money donated was less significant than the intention behind the act.

So, if you want to help make the world a better place but are unsure how, consider donating to a cause you believe in.

Wrapping Up

If you've made it to the end, you’ve likely discovered some strategies to help improve the world. While your individual impact may seem small, inspiring others can lead to significant change over time. Start small, and you can help create a better place for everyone.

Last but not least, I really appreciate the team who runs this platform, where all acts of kindness and good deeds are shared, aiming to inspire others to do the same and make the world a better place to live in.

What are your thoughts? Did I miss anything? Is there something you’ve found helpful in the past that should be included in this article? I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below!

James Michael,

Atlanta, Georgia